COVID Update

Dear Members and colleagues

Following the announcement by the Government that most COVID restrictions are to be lifted from the 19th July, and a further meeting with Sport England, the EKF would like to confirm the following;

TRAINING

All training can resume as normal. There are no restrictions on age, numbers allowed (other than the usual health and safety considerations), or training activities. Partner work and contact training is allowed. In short, we can go back to our dojo's as we were doing pre COVID.

EVENTS

We can now return to competition and events. However, we are still waiting for finer details regarding protocols to be followed. We have been advised that event protocols are to be expected which are likely to involve such things as different entry and exit points, and greater crowd control. When more is known, we will advise our members accordingly. Event organisers should check with any facility they hire on any regulations they might impose locally.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

We have been informed that there are no changes to the definition, and exemptions for Elite sport travelling to overseas events. As such, should anyone travel abroad for karate (sport) events that do not meet the elite guidance (unfortunately Karate does not), then they are subject to the same conditions that apply to the general public.

CAUTION/ADVISORY

Government and Sport England have made clear that whilst restrictions are being lifted, the pandemic is still very much with us. Infection rates continue to rise and we are asked in the strongest possible terms to continue taking measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Whilst EKF cannot impose regulations, we do urge all our Associations and clubs to continue with many of the safety measures you have already put in place.

We advise that

•             Masks continue to be worn indoors when not actually training, or moving about within the facility

•             Pre training medical checks continue

•             Meticulous cleaning of equipment which should not be shared

•             No sharing of drinks bottles and personal items

•             Maintain social distancing when not training

•             Continue to sanitise when possible

•             Minimise the changing of partners during sessions where possible.

Members should also be aware that some facilities will insist on imposing more strict measures than others. Government has pretty much given permissions for facilities to make their own decisions on these matters. As such, some of you might face more difficulties than others. The simple message is from the 19th July, we can now fully open BUT, and importantly, COVID is still very much with us and we must maintain our guard against it. If we do not, then we risk going back to further restrictions. We must not become complacent and each do our own little bit to help

Keep safe and keep those around you safe

Steve Coupland

EKF President